TOEFL Accepting Medical Universities in Eastern Europe

"Explore TOEFL-accepted medical universities in Eastern Europe, their programs, score requirements, and how to apply successfully."
Key Highlights
Eastern Europe has emerged as a popular destination for international students pursuing medicine. With globally recognised degrees, affordable tuition fees, and a wide range of English-taught MBBS programs, the region offers excellent academic opportunities for aspiring doctors.
One major requirement for non-native English speakers is proof of English proficiency—and TOEFL iBT® is widely accepted across many medical universities in Eastern Europe. Whether you're aiming to study general medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy, having a strong TOEFL score can give your application a strong edge. Let’s explore which Eastern European medical universities accept TOEFL, their score expectations, and what programs are open to international students.
Why Choose Eastern Europe for Medical Studies?
Here are some reasons why students prefer Eastern European countries for medical education:
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Globally Recognised Degrees: Many medical schools are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
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English-Medium Programs: Designed for international students with TOEFL or other test requirements.
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Affordable Tuition: Annual fees are generally lower compared to Western Europe or the US.
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Multicultural Environment: High number of international students from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
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Easier Admission Routes: Less competitive than top-tier universities in the UK or US.
Now, let’s explore which universities across countries like Poland, Hungary, Romania, and others accept TOEFL scores.
Top TOEFL-Accepting Medical Universities in Eastern Europe
Here are some of the major universities across the region that accept TOEFL for medicine-related programs:
University | Country | Program Offered | TOEFL iBT® Minimum |
---|---|---|---|
Medical University of Warsaw | Poland | General Medicine (MD) | 90+ |
Semmelweis University | Hungary | General Medicine, Dentistry | 90+ |
University of Debrecen | Hungary | Medicine, Pharmacy | 80–90 |
Carol Davila University of Medicine | Romania | Medicine | 85+ |
Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine | Romania | General Medicine, Dentistry | 80–90 |
Comenius University | Slovakia | Medicine, Dentistry | 90+ |
University of Zagreb School of Medicine | Croatia | General Medicine | 86–90 |
Sofia Medical University | Bulgaria | Medicine, Dental Medicine | 80+ |
Plovdiv Medical University | Bulgaria | Medicine, Pharmacy | 80+ |
University of Belgrade – Faculty of Med. | Serbia | Medicine (English track) | 90+ |
These programs are typically 6 years long for general medicine, and 5–6 years for dental or pharmacy programs, depending on the institution.
How TOEFL Fits into the Admission Process
Most of the universities above offer English-taught tracks for international students. This makes TOEFL a key requirement for:
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Verifying your ability to follow academic lectures in English.
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Supporting your visa application by demonstrating language proficiency.
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Meeting faculty-level eligibility, especially where interview rounds are skipped.
TOEFL is usually required if you’ve studied in a non-English medium previously. Even if not officially required, having a TOEFL score can strengthen your application and help you stand out.
What TOEFL Score Should You Aim For?
Here’s a quick reference for ideal TOEFL iBT® scores by purpose:
Purpose | Suggested Minimum Score |
---|---|
Basic Program Eligibility | 80–85 |
Competitive Medical Schools | 90–100 |
Scholarship Consideration | 95+ |
Visa & Immigration Requirements | Depends on country (usually 80+) |
Make sure all four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) are balanced. Some universities may also require minimum sub-scores (e.g., 20+ in Speaking).
Application Tips for TOEFL-Based Medical Admission
To maximise your chances of success, follow these steps:
1. Start Early
Begin your TOEFL preparation and registration 6–9 months before university deadlines. This gives you time for retakes if needed.
2. Choose the Right TOEFL Test Date
Select a test date that ensures your score will arrive before the university’s application deadline—typically between February and June.
3. Send Scores Directly
Use ETS’s score delivery system to send official scores directly to the university. Some schools won’t accept photocopies or PDFs.
4. Prepare a Complete Application
Along with TOEFL, prepare:
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Academic transcripts
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Motivation letter or SOP
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Recommendation letters
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Valid passport copy
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Proof of funds (for visa)
5. Track Country-Specific Rules
Some countries (e.g., Hungary, Poland) require additional entrance exams or interviews, which may also be in English. TOEFL helps prepare you for these formats.
I hope this blog on TOEFL-accepted medical universities in Eastern Europe helped you shortlist the right institutions for your journey in medicine. TOEFL not only boosts your application strength but also proves your readiness to thrive in an academic, English-speaking environment. Choose your university, meet the required score, and take your first confident step toward becoming a globally trained medical professional.
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